Copa America: Uruguay Beat Brazil on penalties to Reach Semi Finals

• The quarterfinals of Copa América concluded on Saturday with Uruguay knocking out Brazil at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
• After a scoreless 90 minutes plus stoppage time, the match came down to a penalty shootout where Uruguay edged the Selecao
• For Brazil, it is a second straight quarterfinal exit via penalties in a major tournament after their 2022 World Cup loss to Croatia

Uruguay triumphed over Brazil 4-2 in a penalty shootout to advance to the Copa America semi-finals after a goalless draw on Saturday.

Despite finishing with ten men following Nahitan Nandez's red card in the 74th minute, Uruguay secured their spot and will face Colombia in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Wednesday.

In a city more renowned for boxing than soccer, the match was a gritty encounter, marred by 41 fouls, the highest in the tournament so far. Both teams struggled on a poor-quality pitch, which hindered their performance.

Vinicius Junior silences critics, scores Brazil's first goal at Copa America 2024 vs Paraguay

Football

The first notable chance of the match came in the 35th minute when Uruguay's Darwin Nunez missed a clear header, sending it wide off his shoulder. Shortly after, Brazil's Raphinha had a one-on-one opportunity, but Uruguay's goalkeeper Sergio Rochet made a crucial save.

Marcelo Bielsa's side played their usual aggressive game, disrupting Brazil's rhythm with frequent fouls. Brazil, lacking a strong central striker with the 17-year-old Endrick replacing the suspended Vinicius Junior, often resorted to long balls that proved ineffective.

As the game progressed, it became more fragmented due to constant fouling, with lenient refereeing doing little to curb the physical play. Uruguay's plans were further complicated when Nandez was sent off after a dangerous tackle on Rodrygo, confirmed by a VAR review.

Penalty shootout to decide

In the penalty shootout, Federico Valverde scored the opening goal, and Rochet saved Eder Militao's attempt. Douglas Luiz's shot hit the post, leaving Brazil trailing 3-1.

No Messi, no problem as Argentina down Peru; Canada advance

Football

Although Alisson Becker saved Jose Gimenez's shot, Gabriel Martinelli's subsequent goal kept Brazil in contention. However, Manuel Ugarte's composed final penalty secured Uruguay's place in the last four.

What's next for Uruguay?

Earlier on Saturday in Arizona, Colombia defeated Panama 5-0, setting up their semi-final clash with Uruguay.

The other semi-final will feature world champions Argentina against the surprise team Canada in New Jersey on Tuesday, per Supersport.

Fans claim Copa America is rigged for Argentina

Sports Brief also reported on fans claiming that Copa America is rigged for Argentina after Brazil were denied a clear penalty in their 1-1 draw against Colombia.

The accusations of rigging have surrounded Lionel Messi’s side since they were awarded five penalties in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, which they won.